https://www.maxpreps.com/news/qiL5G...rts-stands-in-all-50-states-amid-pandemic.htm
Alabama — Alabama High School Athletic Association met July 8 with its Fall Sports and Football Coaches’ Committees, as well as the state Department of Education on continuing re-opening plans. Recommendations from the meeting will be reviewed and offered up for approval at a July 22 meeting.
Alaska — The Alaska School Athletic Association opened its "out of season" and "open facility" policies on June 1, however coaches must have the approval of their school district and operate "any activities in accordance with all local and state health mandates."
Arizona — The Arizona Interscholastic Association announced it will delay the start of all athletics after Gov. Doug Ducey's recent executive order pushed back the school year start until Aug. 17. The governor's order was in response to a spike in the state's coronavirus cases. The high school football season was to start the weekend of Aug. 20. This delay will likely postpone or cancel at least 1-3 non-league or conference games. The AIA will send out surveys to principals to figure out when a proper date for sports to begin.
Arkansas — On July 7, the Arkansas Activities Association released a statement that is prepared to start up the fall season as planned "in accordance with regular AAA calendar." Those plans are "contingent upon compliance with all directives as issued by the Governor's office and Department of Health." The AAA's Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and the NFHS guidelines were also taken into consideration when making the announcement. ... Baseball, softball, track, gymnastics and swimming were allowed to practice on June 1 but with strict guidelines as laid out by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Among the many social distancing measures were face coverings, virus checkups, and no huddles or high fives.
California — The California Interscholastic Federation, the state's governing body for high school sports, became the third state officially to move back its fall state championships to the winter and spring seasons. In an announcement on July 20,
"The CIF has determined, in collaboration with our 10 Sections, that education-based athletics for the 2020-2021 season will begin with a modified season of sport schedule." The CIF split the sports into two "seasons," instead of three, with varying start and playoff dates. Included in the "fall" season is football, volleyball and cross country among others. The "spring" season includes soccer, wrestling, basketball, baseball and softball among others. Football section playoffs would end April 10 and regional/state championships April 17. The press release also said "Each CIF Section will release their own calendar to reflect regular season starting and ending dates and Section playoffs. It is anticipated that most Section start dates will commence in December 2020 or January 2021." Story. One of the sections planning on keeping its regular calendar and not partaking in the state championships is the Northern Section.
Colorado — The Colorado High School Activities Association lifted moratorium against in-person condition sessions between coaches and high school participants beginning on June 1. After that date, decisions regarding summer athletics and activities have been made at the local school district level. The CHSAA's administrative oversight for athletics and activities will resume when camps, clinics and fall sports practice dates are projected to begin. "This isn't recreational park play or a free-for-all," CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said. "Our schools will face some challenges, no different than professional and collegiate sports to resume any level of student participation."
Connecticut — The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference moved into its second phase of re-opening on July 6, which would allow conditioning and skill development of 5-10 athletes for all sports up to three times per week. "This (second phase going forward) is a good sign based on the positive trend that continues in Connecticut through the governor’s re-opening strategy plan," CIAC Executive Director Glenn Lungarini said in a CTPost.com story. "The plan right now is we will start fall practice as scheduled with football Aug. 17, and all the other sports on Aug. 27."
Delaware — The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association member schools announced July 2 that member schools may begin summer athletic activities under a regulation approved by the Department of Education. Member schools that have approval from their own district/school were allowed to begin workouts on July 6.
District of Columbia — Per July 16 announcement, the District of Columbia State Athletic Association has postponed interscholastic activities until January 2021. Under this plan, winter season practices would begin Dec. 14 with games coming Jan. 4. Postponed fall sports would begin practicing Feb. 1 with games getting underway Feb. 22.
Florida — A newly formed Florida High School Athletic Association task force voted 8-7 on July 1 to recommend moving back fall practice to no earlier than Aug. 10. That would push back the football season to no earlier than Sept. 14. The FHSAA would need to approve the recommendation before it became official. This comes a week after the FHSAA said it was "optimistic" all sports will open as scheduled with practice on July 27 and preseason play beginning Aug. 12-15. As it stands now, Florida football regular season openers are slated for as early as Aug. 20. The other fall sports: bowling, cross country, golf, swimming and diving and girls volleyball would also be delayed if the recommendation is approved. The task force's recommendation comes on the heels of recent significant spikes in COVID-19 cases in the state. .... On June 23, FHSAA executive director George Tomyn said during a virtual meeting: "The governor (Ron DeSantis) and commissioner of education (Richard Corcoran) are very optimistic about schools opening as scheduled in the fall. I'm also remaining optimistic. At this moment in time, our staff is counting on a fall sports schedule that has already been published." He also warned "That could change this afternoon at four o'clock, and that could change this afternoon or tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. We know that's the biggest issue that we have. It's the unknown, not knowing exactly what the case may be or what tomorrow may bring."
Georgia — The Georgia High School Association will allow intra-squad 7-on-7 competitions at practice on July 6 when teams return from the state's June 28-July 5 dead week. GHSA executive director Robin Hines told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he endorses the state's sports-medicine advisory council, which wants to ease restrictions on sports teams. Though 7-on-7 will be allowed it takes place without pads, helmets or tackling. Voluntary summer workouts continue in Georgia until July 27, when mandatory football practices are scheduled to begin, followed by Aug. 1 for other sports. Tryouts for volleyball, cheerleading and softball may begin July 6. "Our sports-medicine group feels that intensity can pick up,'' Hines told Todd Holcomb. "Now quarterbacks can throw to wide receivers. Pitchers can throw to batters with a catcher. Volleyball players will be able to set and spike. We're just taking baby steps, trying to strive for normalcy, while keeping as healthy as we can.''
Hawaii — The Hawaii High School Athletic Association in conjunction with its member leagues on the four major islands collectively agreed that all interscholastic practices be added to the list of suspended activities. The association and public health continue to monitor the situation weekly.
Idaho — The Idaho High School Activities Association and its Board of Directors announced on July 16 it plans to proceed with the start of fall sports as scheduled.
Illinois — The Illinois High School Association announced July 3 that its Stage 2 Return to Play Guidelines were approved by the state Public Health Department (they were also changed to Phase 4 verbiage to match the state's Restore Illinois plan) The Phase 4 Guidelines allows teams, with local district approval, to gather in groups of 50 coaches and students or less to conduct practices or contests. IHSA coaches can conduct team activities on 20 contact days between June 30 and Aug. 9.
Indiana — The Indiana High School Athletic Association announced July 6 that offseason fall workouts would be allowed to begin despite Gov. Eric Holcomb's extended restrictions on restaurants, bars and entertainment venues in the state. Athletes are limited to 15 hours per week on campus until July 19. Locker rooms can't be used, formal competition is discouraged and contact not allowed. When students are not lifting weights or participating in an activity, face masks should be worn. Coaches and other personnel are expected to wear face masks always.
Iowa — The Iowa High School Athletic Association announced July 17 that it is preparing to begin the 2020 fall sports season as scheduled. Practices are slated to get underway Aug. 10.
Kansas — The Kansas State High School Activities Association allows summer strength and conditioning workouts to begin provided they follow the state's mandates of mask-wearing, no contact and social distancing. However, some schools have self-suspended workouts after players tested positive for COVID-19.
Kentucky — On June 1, fall teams could condition and organize in groups of fewer than 10 while practicing social-distancing rules. Beginning June 29, all sports can begin practices with up to 50 present as long as divided into groups of 10 with a coach. "High touch" fall sports like football, soccer and volleyball cannot conduct game-like situations and focus on conditioning and skill training.
Louisiana — On July 6, Louisiana State Senator Cleo Fields asked state education leaders to suspend all high school athletic events for the fall semester. He's asking if a ruling could be made July 14 at a meeting of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and Louisiana School Boards Association. "Currently BESE does not have a rule in place to protect our student athletes," Field said in a statement. "I'm asking them to step up and take action to protect our children." Fields said the decision was much "too important to leave solely up to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association." ... On July 8, the LHSAA responded with a memo to its member schools, coaches and administrators: "Now, more than ever, we are reminded that our communities need high school sports. ... The LHSAA is fully committed to the safe return of high school athletics this fall. ... Reopening high school sports depends on all of us working together."
Maine — The Maine Principals' Association approved or discussed several measures around COVID-19 on May 7, including that some in-person instruction could be allowed starting July 6. "Starting on June 14 and continuing through July 5, coaches would continue to connect virtually with athletes but that all coaches would now be allowed to suggest sport-specific workouts. It is strongly recommended that the workouts be coordinated within the school to avoid overuse by the multi-sport athlete. ...Prior to July 6, a set of guidelines, aligning with recommendations from the Governor's office, the Maine CDC and the Main Department of Education, will be developed for what this in-person instruction might involve."
Maryland — On June 10, Maryland Superintendent of Schools Karen B. Salmon announced high schools can resume practice and training activities following the same guidelines previously put into place for youth athletics. She noted that all sports activities must align with health, safety and Maryland Schools Systems protocols. The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association released a statement on June 11 noting fall-sport practices are scheduled no earlier than Aug. 12, but wrote "the re-engagement for students for the mental, physical and social-emotional well-being is extremely important. All school systems that chose to operate summer out-of-season school-based open conditioning, exercise, weight training, and non-sport specific student gatherings must be done in a safe and controlled environment."
Massachusetts — The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) has formed a COVID-19 Task Force Sub-Committee under leadership of MIAA President Jeff Granatino, and set forth several guidelines through its website.
In its last announcement, the MIAA is "not planning on making any changes to the start date of the Fall 2020 season." Those start dates are Aug. 21 for football and Aug. 24 for all other sports.
Michigan — The Michigan High School Athletic Association announced July 17 that member schools will begin the 2020-21 fall sports season as traditionally scheduled. Football practices can begin Aug. 10 with other fall sports following Aug. 12. The organization is leaving the door open for contingency concepts for potential interruptions.
Minnesota — The Minnesota State High School League approved training for coaches and athletes starting on June 15 and ending Aug. 7. Fall conditioning and practice is currently scheduled Aug. 17 but will look at the results of the summer programs and follow the guidelines set by Gov. Tim Walz before consideration of alterations to the fall season.
Mississippi — On July 14, the Mississippi High School Activities Association executive committee delayed the fall sports season two weeks. Football practices may begin Aug. 17 with games getting underway Sept. 4. All other sports can begin practicing Aug. 10 with first contests Aug. 24.
Missouri — The Missouri State High School Activities Association granted relief on summer limits on contact between coaches and students athletes. The Board voted to make the summertime dead period and summer limits on contact optional for the summer of 2020. According to a release "Member schools may allow teams to have more than 20 days of contact in which any coaching or instruction in the skills and techniques of any sport takes place." From MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Kerwin Urhahn: "The first thing that needs to be clearly understood is that all decisions about anything summer-related — be it contact, access, practice, games, conditioning etc. — must first be approved, cleared and deemed safe by the CDC, state and local health departments, the Governor, and local mayors. The end of social distancing and 'safe at home' is still not clearly visible yet, and summer activities may not be possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its own timeline."
Montana — Between June 1 and July 31, current Montana High School Association summer rules will be in effect. On August 1, the state will be back to out-of-season restrictions until fall sports practices begin.
Nebraska — Beginning June 18, Nebraska School Activities Association schools were permitted to participate in camps, clinics and summer leagues in all NSAA sanctioned activities except basketball, football, soccer and wrestling, which are allowed open gyms with the restrictions. Since June 1, weight rooms for voluntary strength and conditioning sessions have been allowed.
Nevada — On July 17, tournament director Bob Kelly announced the 2020 Durango Fall Classic – arguably the nation's top high school volleyball tournament held annually in Las Vegas – will not be played. Kelly said plans are already in place for the event to return Sept. 17-18, 2021. ... The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association laid out summer season workout protocols based on the state's phase one re-opening. The summer will not begin before June 30. ... On June 9, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak issued a declaration of emergency and left school sports reopening procedures "in accordance with guidance promulgated by the (NIAA)."
New Hampshire — There are no new updates on summer activities or the fall season at the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association, but does offer mental health support for all student-athletes in wake of COVID-19.
New Jersey — The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association is still planning to start sports in the fall, but not until Oct. 1, according to the NewJersey.com. The NJSIAA's "Return to Play" model released on July 10, the football regular season will be only six games instead of the traditional 10. Tentative football playoff dates are to open Nov. 14, and no other sports will be allowed to continue until Nov. 22. With the scheduled delay to the regular football season, the NJSIAA has scheduled a two-week hiatus for summer practice from Aug. 29 to Sept. 13.
New Mexico — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on July 9 that high school fall contact sports, including football and boys soccer, will be postponed until at least the spring semester. See story. The move, based on a spike in coronavirus cases, makes the state the first to definitively push back football to the spring. The New Mexico Activities Association said in a release that it was working with its members on contingency plans and is working to ensure all sports can be played in this academic year, adding a tentative plan should be available on or around July 15. "Interscholastic athletics are an important part of the overall educational process. The NMAA will work tirelessly to ensure students have the opportunity to participate in all sports and activities of their choosing during the 2020-2021 school year," NMAA Executive Director Sally Marquez said in the press release. ... On June 24, the NMAA released a clear guideline for a return to play. The guidelines are based on the public health orders set by the Governor of New Mexico and will be updated accordingly. Schools/school districts can implement a later start date and/or stricter guidelines. The summer 2020 programs are under the direction of the NMAA, which will govern coaches activities. See the document.
New York — Per July 16 announcement, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association announced that the state's fall sports season would be delayed and fall regional and state championships canceled. See the full story here.
North Carolina — The North Carolina High School Athletic Association lifted its dead period on June 15. Each individual school system is permitted to make its own decision regarding when to begin summer activities. Administrators were warned to prepare for the possibility of recurrent outbreaks while the NCHSAA works on developing policies.
North Dakota — The North Dakota High School Activities Association Board of Directors voted unanimously on July 16 to proceed with all fall sports as scheduled. Open dates include Aug. 3 for soccer; Aug, 10 for football, boys tennis, girls golf and cross country; and Aug. 17 for girls swim/dive and volleyball.
Ohio — On July 7, the Ohio Department of Health issued an executive order allowing contact and non-contact competition to resume for all sports on a short-term basis if teams agree to a certain set of guidelines. The message was delivered by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted during their daily press conference and via Twitter. The health guidelines include testing players and coaches for the COVID-19 before and during competition along with daily symptom assessment, strict social distancing by players not actively engaged in practice or competition, and immediate isolation and medical care for a participant who develops symptoms. Athletics trainers are to wear masks while they're "strongly recommended" for coaches and officials. ...On June 18, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced that contact practice may resume as early as June 21. "This means basketball, football, lacrosse and other contact sports can resume scrimmages and full training regiments as long as the safety protocols are observed," Husted said. ... According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association 2020 football calendar, coaches can begin running players through practices Aug. 1 with the first regular season games scheduled for Aug. 24.
Oklahoma — By a vote of 7-6, the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association board of directors May 22 voted down the organization's three-phase plan for sports and activities to return with COVID-19 restrictions on June 1. According to FOX23.com in the state, that means no social distancing guidelines or COVID restrictions are in place starting immediately, although those issues will be revisited on June 9.
Oregon — The Oregon School Activities Association Executive Board met June 5 and developed guidelines for Phase 2 regarding summer activities, largely recommending all general rules laid out by the Oregon Health Authority through June 30 and directives from Gov. Kate Brown and Oregon Department of Education.
Pennsylvania — The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association said in a tweet on July 15 that it was planning on moving forward with the normal start of the fall sports season unless otherwise directed by the state. It said heat acclimatization for football would begin Aug. 10 with first practice for the remaining sports on Aug. 17. "PIAA is committed to providing a season for all sports in the upcoming school year and will be flexible if conditions would change," it said in the tweet.
Rhode Island — On June 24, Gov. Gina Raimondo laid out a plan for youth sports, among other activities once Phase 3 begins. No-contact and low contact sports will be able to play games between "stable groups," with no limit to group size. Raimondo left the door open for the return of fall sports at the high school level, stating that the Rhode Island Interscholastic League would be back later in the summer "with new rules around how students can play once school starts up again."
South Carolina — The South Carolina High School League Executive Committee on July 15 approved a plan to play fall sports with a few changes. They include: pushing back the practice start date from July 31 to Aug. 17, a seven-game football season starting Sept. 11, and region games in girls tennis, volleyball and football played first with a shortened playoff schedule.
South Dakota — There are no updates on the South Dakota High School Activities Association website concerning the summer and fall after it closed down the spring sports season on April 6. A June 11 Board of Directors meeting took place, but results concerning COVID-19 were not immediately posted.
Tennessee — Football and girls soccer will not begin on time following the June 29 extension of state emergency laid down by Gov. Bill Lee. The extension now runs until after Aug. 29, even the full slates of Tennessee high school football games were scheduled as early as Aug. 21. Lee made strict contact sport restrictions for practice or any activities other than the college or pro level. Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association executive director Bernard Childress then ordered there will be no contact practices in football, girls soccer, wrestling and basketball. The TSSAA is now working on regular and postseason schedule options to present to the Board of Control.
Texas — The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) has pushed back the start of fall sports season for its member schools. Football practice may begin Sept. 8 with games getting underway Sept. 28. ... On July 13, the Fort Bend Independent School District announced it would begin the 2020-21 school year entirely online and with no in-person extracurricular activities, including sports and football. News reports said the move was to give students, parents and staff in Houston's fourth-largest district an opportunity to adjust to online learning and safety procedures. Classes are set to begin Aug. 12. Football practice were to begin Aug. 3 and volleyball on Aug. 10.
Utah — The Utah High School Activities Association board of trustees gave the go-ahead on July 9 to continue plans to begin the fall season as scheduled. See story. The USHSAA's governing board also affirmed its stance of allowing schools and local schools district to determine whether participation is allowable and advisable under state and local guidelines. According to a release distributed by the organization, the board of trustees will meet again later this month to review the situation. ... In a statement earlier this month: "The UHSAA staff will continue to monitor any additional information provided by the Governor's Office and the State Superintendent's Office as it relates to interscholastic activities." Updates: www.uhsaa.org.
Vermont — There are no updates on the Vermont Principals' Association website concerning the summer and fall after it closed down the spring sports season. On June 18, the Vermont Agency of Education offered guidance to Vermont schools concerning COVID-19.
Virginia — The Virginia High School League Executive Committee on Wednesday unanimously decided it would delay the start of Fall sports and that football would not be played in the fall. The committee will reconvene on July 27 to decide on three recommended calendars. The three models include A) playing only low-contact sports like golf and cross country in the fall; B) Switch Fall and Springs seasons; and C) Delay all sports until at least a Winter start with truncated seasons.
Washington — On July 7, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Executive Board announced the start of the fall season would be pushed back, to Sept. 5 for football and Sept. 7 for all other sports. "The Board will continue to work with staff, member schools and state agencies to monitor the impact of COVID-19," the WIAA said in a release. The Board will make its next announcement on the fall season July 22. ... In conjunction with Gov. Jay Inslee's Safe Start Washington four-step plan for reopening the state, the WIAA released health guidelines for a return to play high school sports.
West Virginia — The 2020 football season will begin with practice on Sept. 3, according to West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission executive director Bernie Dolan. He made the announcement on July 10 a day after West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice announced the start of the 2020-21 school year was pushed back to Sept. 8. Dolan said the current three-week summer training for all sports will continue through the end of the month, but that the regular season will be delayed about a month due to the recent two-week spike in coronavirus cases in the state. "It's a little disappointing," Dolan said. "It's difficult. You wish we had a better handle on the virus. But you just have to deal with the hand you're dealt." Starting dates for other sports will be announced in the next day or two, Dolan said.
Wisconsin — On June 18, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association released 16 pages of guidelines that will resume athletic activities with coach contact on July 1. "Within what has been a rapidly changing and evolving environment, we've done our best to research, examine and assemble the best advice we could identify," WIAA executive director Dave Anderson said a release. "This mission and responsibility is larger than just sports."
Wyoming — The Wyoming High School Activities Association has no new updates concerning summer activities or the fall season on its website.
Alabama — Alabama High School Athletic Association met July 8 with its Fall Sports and Football Coaches’ Committees, as well as the state Department of Education on continuing re-opening plans. Recommendations from the meeting will be reviewed and offered up for approval at a July 22 meeting.
Alaska — The Alaska School Athletic Association opened its "out of season" and "open facility" policies on June 1, however coaches must have the approval of their school district and operate "any activities in accordance with all local and state health mandates."
Arizona — The Arizona Interscholastic Association announced it will delay the start of all athletics after Gov. Doug Ducey's recent executive order pushed back the school year start until Aug. 17. The governor's order was in response to a spike in the state's coronavirus cases. The high school football season was to start the weekend of Aug. 20. This delay will likely postpone or cancel at least 1-3 non-league or conference games. The AIA will send out surveys to principals to figure out when a proper date for sports to begin.
Arkansas — On July 7, the Arkansas Activities Association released a statement that is prepared to start up the fall season as planned "in accordance with regular AAA calendar." Those plans are "contingent upon compliance with all directives as issued by the Governor's office and Department of Health." The AAA's Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and the NFHS guidelines were also taken into consideration when making the announcement. ... Baseball, softball, track, gymnastics and swimming were allowed to practice on June 1 but with strict guidelines as laid out by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Among the many social distancing measures were face coverings, virus checkups, and no huddles or high fives.
California — The California Interscholastic Federation, the state's governing body for high school sports, became the third state officially to move back its fall state championships to the winter and spring seasons. In an announcement on July 20,
"The CIF has determined, in collaboration with our 10 Sections, that education-based athletics for the 2020-2021 season will begin with a modified season of sport schedule." The CIF split the sports into two "seasons," instead of three, with varying start and playoff dates. Included in the "fall" season is football, volleyball and cross country among others. The "spring" season includes soccer, wrestling, basketball, baseball and softball among others. Football section playoffs would end April 10 and regional/state championships April 17. The press release also said "Each CIF Section will release their own calendar to reflect regular season starting and ending dates and Section playoffs. It is anticipated that most Section start dates will commence in December 2020 or January 2021." Story. One of the sections planning on keeping its regular calendar and not partaking in the state championships is the Northern Section.
Colorado — The Colorado High School Activities Association lifted moratorium against in-person condition sessions between coaches and high school participants beginning on June 1. After that date, decisions regarding summer athletics and activities have been made at the local school district level. The CHSAA's administrative oversight for athletics and activities will resume when camps, clinics and fall sports practice dates are projected to begin. "This isn't recreational park play or a free-for-all," CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said. "Our schools will face some challenges, no different than professional and collegiate sports to resume any level of student participation."
Connecticut — The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference moved into its second phase of re-opening on July 6, which would allow conditioning and skill development of 5-10 athletes for all sports up to three times per week. "This (second phase going forward) is a good sign based on the positive trend that continues in Connecticut through the governor’s re-opening strategy plan," CIAC Executive Director Glenn Lungarini said in a CTPost.com story. "The plan right now is we will start fall practice as scheduled with football Aug. 17, and all the other sports on Aug. 27."
Delaware — The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association member schools announced July 2 that member schools may begin summer athletic activities under a regulation approved by the Department of Education. Member schools that have approval from their own district/school were allowed to begin workouts on July 6.
District of Columbia — Per July 16 announcement, the District of Columbia State Athletic Association has postponed interscholastic activities until January 2021. Under this plan, winter season practices would begin Dec. 14 with games coming Jan. 4. Postponed fall sports would begin practicing Feb. 1 with games getting underway Feb. 22.
Florida — A newly formed Florida High School Athletic Association task force voted 8-7 on July 1 to recommend moving back fall practice to no earlier than Aug. 10. That would push back the football season to no earlier than Sept. 14. The FHSAA would need to approve the recommendation before it became official. This comes a week after the FHSAA said it was "optimistic" all sports will open as scheduled with practice on July 27 and preseason play beginning Aug. 12-15. As it stands now, Florida football regular season openers are slated for as early as Aug. 20. The other fall sports: bowling, cross country, golf, swimming and diving and girls volleyball would also be delayed if the recommendation is approved. The task force's recommendation comes on the heels of recent significant spikes in COVID-19 cases in the state. .... On June 23, FHSAA executive director George Tomyn said during a virtual meeting: "The governor (Ron DeSantis) and commissioner of education (Richard Corcoran) are very optimistic about schools opening as scheduled in the fall. I'm also remaining optimistic. At this moment in time, our staff is counting on a fall sports schedule that has already been published." He also warned "That could change this afternoon at four o'clock, and that could change this afternoon or tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. We know that's the biggest issue that we have. It's the unknown, not knowing exactly what the case may be or what tomorrow may bring."
Georgia — The Georgia High School Association will allow intra-squad 7-on-7 competitions at practice on July 6 when teams return from the state's June 28-July 5 dead week. GHSA executive director Robin Hines told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he endorses the state's sports-medicine advisory council, which wants to ease restrictions on sports teams. Though 7-on-7 will be allowed it takes place without pads, helmets or tackling. Voluntary summer workouts continue in Georgia until July 27, when mandatory football practices are scheduled to begin, followed by Aug. 1 for other sports. Tryouts for volleyball, cheerleading and softball may begin July 6. "Our sports-medicine group feels that intensity can pick up,'' Hines told Todd Holcomb. "Now quarterbacks can throw to wide receivers. Pitchers can throw to batters with a catcher. Volleyball players will be able to set and spike. We're just taking baby steps, trying to strive for normalcy, while keeping as healthy as we can.''
Hawaii — The Hawaii High School Athletic Association in conjunction with its member leagues on the four major islands collectively agreed that all interscholastic practices be added to the list of suspended activities. The association and public health continue to monitor the situation weekly.
Idaho — The Idaho High School Activities Association and its Board of Directors announced on July 16 it plans to proceed with the start of fall sports as scheduled.
Illinois — The Illinois High School Association announced July 3 that its Stage 2 Return to Play Guidelines were approved by the state Public Health Department (they were also changed to Phase 4 verbiage to match the state's Restore Illinois plan) The Phase 4 Guidelines allows teams, with local district approval, to gather in groups of 50 coaches and students or less to conduct practices or contests. IHSA coaches can conduct team activities on 20 contact days between June 30 and Aug. 9.
Indiana — The Indiana High School Athletic Association announced July 6 that offseason fall workouts would be allowed to begin despite Gov. Eric Holcomb's extended restrictions on restaurants, bars and entertainment venues in the state. Athletes are limited to 15 hours per week on campus until July 19. Locker rooms can't be used, formal competition is discouraged and contact not allowed. When students are not lifting weights or participating in an activity, face masks should be worn. Coaches and other personnel are expected to wear face masks always.
Iowa — The Iowa High School Athletic Association announced July 17 that it is preparing to begin the 2020 fall sports season as scheduled. Practices are slated to get underway Aug. 10.
Kansas — The Kansas State High School Activities Association allows summer strength and conditioning workouts to begin provided they follow the state's mandates of mask-wearing, no contact and social distancing. However, some schools have self-suspended workouts after players tested positive for COVID-19.
Kentucky — On June 1, fall teams could condition and organize in groups of fewer than 10 while practicing social-distancing rules. Beginning June 29, all sports can begin practices with up to 50 present as long as divided into groups of 10 with a coach. "High touch" fall sports like football, soccer and volleyball cannot conduct game-like situations and focus on conditioning and skill training.
Louisiana — On July 6, Louisiana State Senator Cleo Fields asked state education leaders to suspend all high school athletic events for the fall semester. He's asking if a ruling could be made July 14 at a meeting of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and Louisiana School Boards Association. "Currently BESE does not have a rule in place to protect our student athletes," Field said in a statement. "I'm asking them to step up and take action to protect our children." Fields said the decision was much "too important to leave solely up to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association." ... On July 8, the LHSAA responded with a memo to its member schools, coaches and administrators: "Now, more than ever, we are reminded that our communities need high school sports. ... The LHSAA is fully committed to the safe return of high school athletics this fall. ... Reopening high school sports depends on all of us working together."
Maine — The Maine Principals' Association approved or discussed several measures around COVID-19 on May 7, including that some in-person instruction could be allowed starting July 6. "Starting on June 14 and continuing through July 5, coaches would continue to connect virtually with athletes but that all coaches would now be allowed to suggest sport-specific workouts. It is strongly recommended that the workouts be coordinated within the school to avoid overuse by the multi-sport athlete. ...Prior to July 6, a set of guidelines, aligning with recommendations from the Governor's office, the Maine CDC and the Main Department of Education, will be developed for what this in-person instruction might involve."
Maryland — On June 10, Maryland Superintendent of Schools Karen B. Salmon announced high schools can resume practice and training activities following the same guidelines previously put into place for youth athletics. She noted that all sports activities must align with health, safety and Maryland Schools Systems protocols. The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association released a statement on June 11 noting fall-sport practices are scheduled no earlier than Aug. 12, but wrote "the re-engagement for students for the mental, physical and social-emotional well-being is extremely important. All school systems that chose to operate summer out-of-season school-based open conditioning, exercise, weight training, and non-sport specific student gatherings must be done in a safe and controlled environment."
Massachusetts — The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) has formed a COVID-19 Task Force Sub-Committee under leadership of MIAA President Jeff Granatino, and set forth several guidelines through its website.
In its last announcement, the MIAA is "not planning on making any changes to the start date of the Fall 2020 season." Those start dates are Aug. 21 for football and Aug. 24 for all other sports.
Michigan — The Michigan High School Athletic Association announced July 17 that member schools will begin the 2020-21 fall sports season as traditionally scheduled. Football practices can begin Aug. 10 with other fall sports following Aug. 12. The organization is leaving the door open for contingency concepts for potential interruptions.
Minnesota — The Minnesota State High School League approved training for coaches and athletes starting on June 15 and ending Aug. 7. Fall conditioning and practice is currently scheduled Aug. 17 but will look at the results of the summer programs and follow the guidelines set by Gov. Tim Walz before consideration of alterations to the fall season.
Mississippi — On July 14, the Mississippi High School Activities Association executive committee delayed the fall sports season two weeks. Football practices may begin Aug. 17 with games getting underway Sept. 4. All other sports can begin practicing Aug. 10 with first contests Aug. 24.
Missouri — The Missouri State High School Activities Association granted relief on summer limits on contact between coaches and students athletes. The Board voted to make the summertime dead period and summer limits on contact optional for the summer of 2020. According to a release "Member schools may allow teams to have more than 20 days of contact in which any coaching or instruction in the skills and techniques of any sport takes place." From MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Kerwin Urhahn: "The first thing that needs to be clearly understood is that all decisions about anything summer-related — be it contact, access, practice, games, conditioning etc. — must first be approved, cleared and deemed safe by the CDC, state and local health departments, the Governor, and local mayors. The end of social distancing and 'safe at home' is still not clearly visible yet, and summer activities may not be possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its own timeline."
Montana — Between June 1 and July 31, current Montana High School Association summer rules will be in effect. On August 1, the state will be back to out-of-season restrictions until fall sports practices begin.
Nebraska — Beginning June 18, Nebraska School Activities Association schools were permitted to participate in camps, clinics and summer leagues in all NSAA sanctioned activities except basketball, football, soccer and wrestling, which are allowed open gyms with the restrictions. Since June 1, weight rooms for voluntary strength and conditioning sessions have been allowed.
Nevada — On July 17, tournament director Bob Kelly announced the 2020 Durango Fall Classic – arguably the nation's top high school volleyball tournament held annually in Las Vegas – will not be played. Kelly said plans are already in place for the event to return Sept. 17-18, 2021. ... The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association laid out summer season workout protocols based on the state's phase one re-opening. The summer will not begin before June 30. ... On June 9, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak issued a declaration of emergency and left school sports reopening procedures "in accordance with guidance promulgated by the (NIAA)."
New Hampshire — There are no new updates on summer activities or the fall season at the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association, but does offer mental health support for all student-athletes in wake of COVID-19.
New Jersey — The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association is still planning to start sports in the fall, but not until Oct. 1, according to the NewJersey.com. The NJSIAA's "Return to Play" model released on July 10, the football regular season will be only six games instead of the traditional 10. Tentative football playoff dates are to open Nov. 14, and no other sports will be allowed to continue until Nov. 22. With the scheduled delay to the regular football season, the NJSIAA has scheduled a two-week hiatus for summer practice from Aug. 29 to Sept. 13.
New Mexico — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on July 9 that high school fall contact sports, including football and boys soccer, will be postponed until at least the spring semester. See story. The move, based on a spike in coronavirus cases, makes the state the first to definitively push back football to the spring. The New Mexico Activities Association said in a release that it was working with its members on contingency plans and is working to ensure all sports can be played in this academic year, adding a tentative plan should be available on or around July 15. "Interscholastic athletics are an important part of the overall educational process. The NMAA will work tirelessly to ensure students have the opportunity to participate in all sports and activities of their choosing during the 2020-2021 school year," NMAA Executive Director Sally Marquez said in the press release. ... On June 24, the NMAA released a clear guideline for a return to play. The guidelines are based on the public health orders set by the Governor of New Mexico and will be updated accordingly. Schools/school districts can implement a later start date and/or stricter guidelines. The summer 2020 programs are under the direction of the NMAA, which will govern coaches activities. See the document.
New York — Per July 16 announcement, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association announced that the state's fall sports season would be delayed and fall regional and state championships canceled. See the full story here.
North Carolina — The North Carolina High School Athletic Association lifted its dead period on June 15. Each individual school system is permitted to make its own decision regarding when to begin summer activities. Administrators were warned to prepare for the possibility of recurrent outbreaks while the NCHSAA works on developing policies.
North Dakota — The North Dakota High School Activities Association Board of Directors voted unanimously on July 16 to proceed with all fall sports as scheduled. Open dates include Aug. 3 for soccer; Aug, 10 for football, boys tennis, girls golf and cross country; and Aug. 17 for girls swim/dive and volleyball.
Ohio — On July 7, the Ohio Department of Health issued an executive order allowing contact and non-contact competition to resume for all sports on a short-term basis if teams agree to a certain set of guidelines. The message was delivered by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted during their daily press conference and via Twitter. The health guidelines include testing players and coaches for the COVID-19 before and during competition along with daily symptom assessment, strict social distancing by players not actively engaged in practice or competition, and immediate isolation and medical care for a participant who develops symptoms. Athletics trainers are to wear masks while they're "strongly recommended" for coaches and officials. ...On June 18, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced that contact practice may resume as early as June 21. "This means basketball, football, lacrosse and other contact sports can resume scrimmages and full training regiments as long as the safety protocols are observed," Husted said. ... According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association 2020 football calendar, coaches can begin running players through practices Aug. 1 with the first regular season games scheduled for Aug. 24.
Oklahoma — By a vote of 7-6, the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association board of directors May 22 voted down the organization's three-phase plan for sports and activities to return with COVID-19 restrictions on June 1. According to FOX23.com in the state, that means no social distancing guidelines or COVID restrictions are in place starting immediately, although those issues will be revisited on June 9.
Oregon — The Oregon School Activities Association Executive Board met June 5 and developed guidelines for Phase 2 regarding summer activities, largely recommending all general rules laid out by the Oregon Health Authority through June 30 and directives from Gov. Kate Brown and Oregon Department of Education.
Pennsylvania — The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association said in a tweet on July 15 that it was planning on moving forward with the normal start of the fall sports season unless otherwise directed by the state. It said heat acclimatization for football would begin Aug. 10 with first practice for the remaining sports on Aug. 17. "PIAA is committed to providing a season for all sports in the upcoming school year and will be flexible if conditions would change," it said in the tweet.
Rhode Island — On June 24, Gov. Gina Raimondo laid out a plan for youth sports, among other activities once Phase 3 begins. No-contact and low contact sports will be able to play games between "stable groups," with no limit to group size. Raimondo left the door open for the return of fall sports at the high school level, stating that the Rhode Island Interscholastic League would be back later in the summer "with new rules around how students can play once school starts up again."
South Carolina — The South Carolina High School League Executive Committee on July 15 approved a plan to play fall sports with a few changes. They include: pushing back the practice start date from July 31 to Aug. 17, a seven-game football season starting Sept. 11, and region games in girls tennis, volleyball and football played first with a shortened playoff schedule.
South Dakota — There are no updates on the South Dakota High School Activities Association website concerning the summer and fall after it closed down the spring sports season on April 6. A June 11 Board of Directors meeting took place, but results concerning COVID-19 were not immediately posted.
Tennessee — Football and girls soccer will not begin on time following the June 29 extension of state emergency laid down by Gov. Bill Lee. The extension now runs until after Aug. 29, even the full slates of Tennessee high school football games were scheduled as early as Aug. 21. Lee made strict contact sport restrictions for practice or any activities other than the college or pro level. Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association executive director Bernard Childress then ordered there will be no contact practices in football, girls soccer, wrestling and basketball. The TSSAA is now working on regular and postseason schedule options to present to the Board of Control.
Texas — The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) has pushed back the start of fall sports season for its member schools. Football practice may begin Sept. 8 with games getting underway Sept. 28. ... On July 13, the Fort Bend Independent School District announced it would begin the 2020-21 school year entirely online and with no in-person extracurricular activities, including sports and football. News reports said the move was to give students, parents and staff in Houston's fourth-largest district an opportunity to adjust to online learning and safety procedures. Classes are set to begin Aug. 12. Football practice were to begin Aug. 3 and volleyball on Aug. 10.
Utah — The Utah High School Activities Association board of trustees gave the go-ahead on July 9 to continue plans to begin the fall season as scheduled. See story. The USHSAA's governing board also affirmed its stance of allowing schools and local schools district to determine whether participation is allowable and advisable under state and local guidelines. According to a release distributed by the organization, the board of trustees will meet again later this month to review the situation. ... In a statement earlier this month: "The UHSAA staff will continue to monitor any additional information provided by the Governor's Office and the State Superintendent's Office as it relates to interscholastic activities." Updates: www.uhsaa.org.
Vermont — There are no updates on the Vermont Principals' Association website concerning the summer and fall after it closed down the spring sports season. On June 18, the Vermont Agency of Education offered guidance to Vermont schools concerning COVID-19.
Virginia — The Virginia High School League Executive Committee on Wednesday unanimously decided it would delay the start of Fall sports and that football would not be played in the fall. The committee will reconvene on July 27 to decide on three recommended calendars. The three models include A) playing only low-contact sports like golf and cross country in the fall; B) Switch Fall and Springs seasons; and C) Delay all sports until at least a Winter start with truncated seasons.
Washington — On July 7, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Executive Board announced the start of the fall season would be pushed back, to Sept. 5 for football and Sept. 7 for all other sports. "The Board will continue to work with staff, member schools and state agencies to monitor the impact of COVID-19," the WIAA said in a release. The Board will make its next announcement on the fall season July 22. ... In conjunction with Gov. Jay Inslee's Safe Start Washington four-step plan for reopening the state, the WIAA released health guidelines for a return to play high school sports.
West Virginia — The 2020 football season will begin with practice on Sept. 3, according to West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission executive director Bernie Dolan. He made the announcement on July 10 a day after West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice announced the start of the 2020-21 school year was pushed back to Sept. 8. Dolan said the current three-week summer training for all sports will continue through the end of the month, but that the regular season will be delayed about a month due to the recent two-week spike in coronavirus cases in the state. "It's a little disappointing," Dolan said. "It's difficult. You wish we had a better handle on the virus. But you just have to deal with the hand you're dealt." Starting dates for other sports will be announced in the next day or two, Dolan said.
Wisconsin — On June 18, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association released 16 pages of guidelines that will resume athletic activities with coach contact on July 1. "Within what has been a rapidly changing and evolving environment, we've done our best to research, examine and assemble the best advice we could identify," WIAA executive director Dave Anderson said a release. "This mission and responsibility is larger than just sports."
Wyoming — The Wyoming High School Activities Association has no new updates concerning summer activities or the fall season on its website.
